Virgil van Dijk is facing a race to be fit for Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid due to the unexpected severity of his damaged hamstring.
The Netherland international was substituted at half-time during Monday’s chastening 3-1 defeat at Brentford and any idea that it was a tactical move by Jurgen Klopp was swiftly removed when Van Dijk re-appeared with strapping on his right leg.
Liverpool’s players had a scheduled day off on Tuesday but Van Dijk will be scanned to determine the extent of the problem and his club fear that he is now facing a lay-off that could run into next month.
It is a huge blow for Klopp, as apart from Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Wolves, the 31-year-old will be absent for key Premier League games against Brighton and Chelsea; February begins with a trip to Wolves then the Merseyside derby before a huge fixture at Newcastle on February 18.
Three days later Liverpool face Madrid, the side who beat them in last season’s final, in the Champions League last 16 first leg and it would be a major hurdle to overcome without the man who remains their most important defensive figure.
Klopp, meanwhile, has denied he has spoken to the parents of Jude Bellingham in an attempt to get a decisive advantage in a bid to sign the England international this summer. Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea are also in the market for Liverpool’s top target.
Speaking to German publication SportBILD, he said: “These things are not possible because he is under contract with Borussia Dortmund. That is not possible without their consent. So it’s not true.
‘Jude is a great player who we are familiar with, of course. We’d be stupid not to have him on our radar. But there’s nothing more to say at the moment.’
IronBorn
0
Even if he is fit what difference would it make? we r conceding a goal per game while he is fit.
bulelfc
0
VVD shouldn't be rushed to fitness otherwise he may be made even worse. LFC have been over-relying on him. Soon or later this was bound to happen, they was lack of foresight. Hopefully we learn and improve.
Wuabdluyz
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wat is Madrid Liverpool is better than vandijk, we can do better than him he's not Liverpool he's just a man with or without him Liverpool who remain Liverpool
zitadmopyz
0
All you Madrid fans boasting here will be shocked that day. keep fanning yourself. it is called football not handball
Sokblosyz
1
real Madrid who will loose the match
Richiewallet
0
God help us against Madrid 🙏🏻
lozcelmrs
0
Why is Chelsea interested in every player. They are interested in Nkunku they are interested in Enzo interested in Mykilo. Interested in the J B and interested in......
Willhen
2
Liverpool 15 vs Real Madrid 13 althought Liverpool qualify via 2nd placing against the Top Group Winner Real Madrid. Liverpool did amassed 15pts compared to Real 13 pts total. so technically, Liverpool is higher in table than RM
prezzidentRM
2
with or without him they will lose
TheoMark5mith
0
Liverpool minus VVD ....Their defense is nothing
Javimor
0
They need him to lose this match
King-10
1
From worse to terrible, God have mercy on us please